World Masters Games 2017 organisers are ready for the world’s largest multi-sport event which begins in Auckland tomorrow featuring 28,000 registered athletes, supporters and officials from 100 countries globally.

World Masters Games 2017 (WMG2017) Chief Executive Jennah Wootten says the event has been four years in the planning with the aim of delivering the best World Masters Games in history.

“With 25,000 athletes competing in 28 sports across 48 venues it’s been a massive logistical challenge but we are ready and we couldn’t be more excited as we look forward to the next 10 days,” Ms Wootten says. “Bring it on!”

International Masters Games Association Chief Executive Jens Holm says, since awarding hosting rights for the 2017 Games to Auckland, his organisation has worked closely with the Local Organising Committee every step of the way.

“We are very impressed with the detailed planning and preparation that has gone into these Games. Everything points to a wonderful World Masters Games in Auckland,” Mr Holm says.

Tomorrow night’s Opening Ceremony at Eden Park will feature the traditional parade of athletes, the largest laser light show ever seen in New Zealand, unique cultural elements and a few surprises.

Ms Wootten says Eden Park will be buzzing during the Ceremony, which is for registered participants only, and not open to the public.

Athletes in the parade will march by sport. This is a tradition as competitors represent themselves not their country. WMG2017 today announced the names of the standard bearers for each sport, a list which features athletes from 10 different countries aged between 30 and 89.

Former New Zealand Davis Cup representative James Greenhalgh is the standard bearer for Tennis and says he is excited about the opportunity to fly the flag for his sport at the Opening Ceremony.

“Tennis is a truly global sport with players coming from all around the world for these Games. It’s a great honour for me to be the standard bearer and lead the players of the sport I love.”

Wellington teacher and basketballer Monica Mercury will be in the spotlight at the Ceremony as she reads the Athlete Oath on behalf of all WMG2017 competitors.

“I’m more used to standing in front of a class of school pupils than a crowd of 30,000. Reading the athlete oath on behalf of athletes from more than 100 countries is a tremendous honour and a privilege,” Ms Mercury says.

With a crowd of up to 30,000 expected at tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony, Auckland Transport has worked with WMG2017 to ensure participants get to and from Eden Park smoothly.

Auckland Transport WMG2017 Liaison Manager John Strawbridge says there are extra trains and special event bus services provided for the event.

“We’re advising all participants to use the public transport services provided as parking near the venue is limited. And our message is plan to get there early as peak travel times will be busy,” Mr Strawbridge says.

Around 75% of Games participants hail from outside of the host city and Ms Wootten is promising a warm welcome from Aucklanders.

“Being great hosts and making visitors feel welcome is in our blood. It’s something the city did brilliantly during Rugby World Cup 2011 where visitors went home raving about their experiences in our city and country. I’m confident of a repeat performance.”

Ms Wootten says the public are an important part of WMG2017 and the Queens Wharf Entertainment Hub is the place for Games participants and Aucklanders to get together and mingle. The Entertainment Hub is open every day of the Games from Saturday 22 April and admission to most activities is free.

“One of the unique attractions of World Masters Games is the social side of the event, and there is a great history of lifelong friendships being formed at previous Games,” she says.

“As the host city in 2017, Auckland is embracing that tradition and laying on a feast of culture, performance, music and food on our waterfront.”

Highlights include Toi Ora, a living gallery, in The Cloud to showcase traditional Māori arts and culture. There will be music and entertainment day and night featuring, amongst others, Tami Neilson, Will Crummer and the Rarotongans (featuring Annie Crummer), Motor City Family Funk, The Warratahs, and LatinAotearoa.

The wharf will also feature the best of New Zealand’s cuisine and beverages, from the likes of Good George Brewing, Villa Maria and The Kitchen c/o SKYCITY. There is also a daily sports wrap from the Games at 7pmand the Barfoot & Thompson Kids’ Fun Zone.

There is also no charge for admission to any of the Games 48 competition venues and spectators are welcome, though entry is subject to venue capacity and registered participants will be given priority.